May the Best man win in Kangaroos centre battle
Joel Gould |
Bradman Best is ready to rock in what he admits is an audition for the hotly contested centre position for the knockout phase of the World Cup.
Best has been named at left centre against Cook Islands instead of Latrell Mitchell for the second week in a row after making his Test debut in the 36-22 win over Fiji on Sunday.
“It is good to have healthy competition,” Best said after training in Townsville.
“We have ‘Trell’, Kotoni (Staggs) and myself … all great players and all helping each other be at our best.
“It doesn’t bother Trell. He’s coping with it fine. We are helping each other to try and win the World Cup.”
Kotoni Staggs is a right centre, which is where he has been named in all Kangaroos matches in this tournament, and Mitchell and Best both play on the left in club football.
A big call looms for coach Kevin Walters ahead of the semi-final at Allianz Stadium on November 8.
“If Kev wants to put me on the right I will play right,” Best said.
Newcastle strike centre Best was defensively solid against Fiji at left centre, with the right-edge defence of the Kangaroos the major concern.
“I am a pretty harsh critic. I feel like I could have done a bit more and got involved a bit more,” Best said.
“In terms of how the game went, we were a bit sloppy and didn’t have a whole heap of opportunity, but hopefully we can change that this week.”
Best took the opportunity to give a shout-out to his father-in-law Jeff Fenech, with the boxing legend recovering from successful heart surgery.
Fenech is keen for Best, who becomes a free agent on November 1, to join the Eels from 2028. Fenech did play lower grades for Parramatta,.
“To Jeff, I know he is doing it tough,” Best said.
“The whole family have done a lot for me. He is as tough as they come and after this (interview) I will check in with him on Facetime and see how he is going.
“He loves Parramatta. That was his dream growing up. He didn’t want to be a boxer. He wanted to play NRL.”
Best is aware the Eels are preparing a big offer for his services, but has also made it clear he hoped to get a deal done at the Knights.
He is one of several Kangaroos with a big decision looming on their futures.
“November 1 is coming up, but we are all in camp together and our main priority is the World Cup, as it should be,” Best said.
“I will worry about that later when my commitments finish here. I do want to make a decision, but I am in no rush. I’ve had a big year, straight from a grand final into (Kangaroos) camp.”
AAP